The Montana House of Representatives passed a bill limiting the use of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data to assess landing fees on certain aircraft.
The legislation, introduced by Rep. Shane Klakken (R-Grass Range), would block the use of ADS-B data for charging landing fees on aircraft weighing under 9,000 pounds, according to a March 20 press release from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA).
The bill’s passage in Montana follows a recent push from AOPA, which urged the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to halt the use of ADS-B data for purposes beyond its original intent—improving air traffic safety and efficiency. According to the association, ADS-B data is being used for “frivolous lawsuits, questionable enforcement actions, and the collection of airport landing fees.”
“We appreciate Rep. Klakken’s efforts to curb ADS-B mission creep, which further reinforces the need for a national policy upholding the FAA’s original commitment to aircraft owners that ADS-B devices would not be used for purposes unrelated to safety or airspace efficiency,” said AOPA President and CEO Darren Pleasance.
